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The health information exchange market will continue to grow, driven in large part by a federal push for statewide HIEs, vendors say. "There are many, many new entrants to the HIE market that range from new startups to large sized companies. ... The market has become extremely fragmented," an industry executive said.

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In a letter, more than 30 health IT investors asked New York legislators to back the $65 million in funding for health information exchange recently proposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Most of the funding would be allocated for linking the Statewide Health Information Network of New York with the state's other regional HIEs. "By funding SHIN-NY, New York has the opportunity to lead the nation as the first large state to implement a statewide health information exchange that is not tethered to specific health care providers," the investors wrote.

An eHealth Initiative survey revealed 234 active health information exchanges this year, up from 193 last year, and more than 70 are now successfully sharing information. The survey also found that sustainability continues to be an issue for many state-operated HIEs, despite increased federal funding.

An eHealth Initiative survey revealed 234 active health information exchanges this year, up from 193 last year, and more than 70 are now successfully sharing information. The survey also found that sustainability continues to be an issue for many state-operated HIEs, despite increased federal funding.

A report projects that as providers turn to EHR systems that allow data sharing to enable them to receive incentives, enterprise health information exchanges that cater to delivery systems will grow the fastest in the market for HIEs. "Unlike regional health information organizations and statewide or national HIEs, enterprise HIEs can establish a sustainable business model and are not as encumbered by organizational and data governance issues," the report said.

Hospitals and large physician practices, as well as states, should take part in statewide health information exchange planning and defining meaningful use requirements, said health care consultant Timathie Leslie. Stakeholders should also involve themselves with any existing local or regional HIEs, she advised at a recent summit.